Fiscal Talent Hard To Replace

Our Towns / Windsor Locks

January 16, 2001

With the resignations of longtime board of finance members Joseph Flynn and Denise Balboni, Windsor Locks is losing some valuable voices of experience. In this town of budget battles and convoluted cost-cutting exercises, the departure of these former chairmen will be acutely felt.

Mr. Flynn's talents as a financial adviser and fiscal expert were especially important on a board often caught in the tug-of-war between residents who wanted to invest in programs as a way to build a better community and those who sought to restrain spending to ease the burden on townspeople of modest incomes.

Mr. Flynn joined the board in 1987 and was chairman from 1991 to 1996. He weathered the infamous 1994 budget battles that kept the town in limbo for seven referendums. Through it all, he stayed focused on what was best for Windsor Locks, understanding the consequences that came with each cut.

Ms. Balboni succeeded Mr. Flynn as head of the board. She, too, strove to make Windsor Locks a better place with the small steps that incremental budget increases would allow. As chairwoman, she guided each fiscal decision according to its benefits for or detriment to the town.

Neither leader let political wrangling or harsh comments influence his or her evenhanded assessment of budget priorities. That's why they were such assets. Whether their decisions were popular or not, they tried to put the town first.

A town is fortunate to keep knowledgeable members of fiscal commissions for more than a few years. The complicated work and long hours, plus the vocal and often personal criticism of spending decisions, make the job grueling. Only the most committed remain. Yet finance needs experience more than most boards.

Understanding Windsor Locks taxpayers takes familiarity as well as smarts. Recognizing the fine line between investing enough to improve the town and holding spending to an acceptable level is a learned skill. Mr. Flynn and Ms. Balboni mastered those traits.